[FREE IRAN Project] In The Spirit Of Cyrus The GreatViews expressed here are not necessarily the views & opinions of ActivistChat.com. Comments are unmoderated. Abusive remarks may be deleted. ActivistChat.com retains the rights to all content/IP info in in this forum and may re-post content elsewhere.

"So it is the policy of the United States to seek and support the growth of democratic movements and institutions in every nation… America will not impose our own style of government on the unwilling. Our goal instead is to help others find their own voice, attain their own freedom."

Reza Pahlavi, the son of the last Shah of Iran, who was watching President George W Bush's speech on television at his hotel in London, noted the language. He was relieved that the phrase "regime change" was not used.

Reza Pahlavi: ‘Iran doesn't need to invade Iraq. It's already there’
He believes that American military intervention in Iran would be wrong: "Iranians are not willing to buy freedom at any cost. They do not want the freedom of an American general marching in. It is a matter of national pride. We do not need an American soldier to save us."

Mr Pahlavi, 44, has been actively campaigning for secular democracy in Iran since September 11. He says that it is only the regime that stands between an educated, well-resourced country and the free world: "All the unemployment and poverty in Iran is a by-product of political asphyxia."

But Mr Pahlavi says that the rising against the regime must come from within. He looks to the Ukraine or Yugoslavia as a model and rejects comparisons with Iraq: "Iran has a different history, polity, totally different scenarios. Our society is more dynamic and capable. We don't need teachers from American universities to come and teach us about democracy."

What Mr Pahlavi wants from Europe and America is "support for the Iranian people. This means refusing to deal with the regime".

He is particularly opposed to any weapons for trade negotiations: "Other countries should take a principled position on the regime. They must not be seen to cut a deal, at the expense of the Iranian people." There has been little reporting of protests against the regime since the elections last year but Mr Pahlavi's adviser, who asked not to be named, claimed the frustration is at boiling point, particularly among students.

"President Khatami addressed a meeting recently and the students started chanting 'shame on you'. It was moving," he says.

The opposition in Iraq is fastening on the May presidential elections as the moment to force the collapse of the regime. Petitions are being compiled on the internet for a referendum. The opposition claims that the election will be hollow.

"Saddam had elections," says Mr Pahlavi. "Let's not be infatuated by elections." Will the Pentagon have the patience to wait for an internal uprising? A report this week by Seymour Hersh in the New Yorker revealed that special forces are already on the ground in Iran.

Mr Pahlavi responds that America must anticipate scenarios but he again rebuffs any sort of intervention. He will not accept, for instance, an American bombing of nuclear installations in Iran to pave the way for a popular uprising. He says that this would immediately strengthen the position of the Mullahs. "It has to be the right mechanism," he says.

He agrees that the stakes are high. Iraq has little chance of becoming a stable country while Iran is supporting insurgency there. "Iran doesn't need to invade Iraq," says Mr Pahlavi. "It is already in there."

He is also clear about the purpose of Iranian Mullahs acquiring nuclear weapons: "It is to blackmail the rest of the world." He says the regime is acutely aware that it is exposed by the toppled tyrannies on its borders and is ready to lash out.

Is he pushing for a restoration of the monarchy as part of a new Iran? "My political mission is over the day that Iranians have the freedom to go to the polls," he says.

Last edited by cyrus on Sun Jan 30, 2005 1:04 pm; edited 4 times in total

"So it is the policy of the United States to seek and support the growth of democratic movements and institutions in every nation… America will not impose our own style of government on the unwilling. Our goal instead is to help others find their own voice, attain their own freedom."

Reza Pahlavi, the son of the last Shah of Iran, who was watching President George W Bush's speech on television at his hotel in London, noted the language. He was relieved that the phrase "regime change" was not used.

If this is true, we are concerned regarding his comments. Is Britain using RP as another delay tactic for freeing our homeland?

Quote:

But Mr Pahlavi says that the rising against the regime must come from within. He looks to the Ukraine or Yugoslavia as a model and rejects comparisons with Iraq: "Iran has a different history, polity, totally different scenarios. Our society is more dynamic and capable. We don't need teachers from American universities to come and teach us about democracy."

While EU Big 3 is supporting the Mullahs for cheap oil and their extreme corruption then the Ukraine or Yugoslavia examples are considered wrong Model. So far there is no indication that EU Big 3 policy towards Mullahs has changed. RP examples are wrong. In recent weeks RP is making many mistakes.

Last edited by cyrus on Sat Jan 22, 2005 11:53 am; edited 1 time in total

It is decidedly not true. It is a deliberate misrepresentation of RP’s views by the Telegraph. Shahzadeh Reza Pahlavi’s view is: The US does not need to invade Iran, as it did Iraq, to cause regime change. That an invasion is not necessary to bring about regime change can hardly be interpreted to mean that he is against regime change!

It is decidedly not true. It is a deliberate misrepresentation of RP’s views by the Telegraph. Shahzadeh Reza Pahlavi’s view is: The US does not need to invade Iran, as it did Iraq, to cause regime change. That an invasion is not necessary to bring about regime change can hardly be interpreted to mean that he is against regime change!

.

Dear Khorshid,
If this is true, then we should expect a Letter from RP to the editor asking for correction. Otherwise RP will be rejected as one of opposition leaders.
Regards,
Cyrus

Last edited by cyrus on Sat Jan 22, 2005 11:45 am; edited 1 time in total

It is decidedly not true. It is a deliberate misrepresentation of RP’s views by the Telegraph. Shahzadeh Reza Pahlavi’s view is: The US does not need to invade Iran, as it did Iraq, to cause regime change. That an invasion is not necessary to bring about regime change can hardly be interpreted to mean that he is against regime change!

.

Dear Khorshid,
If this is true, then we should expect a Letter from RP to the editor asking for correction. Otherwise RP will be rejected as one of opposition leaders.
Regards,
Cyrus

cyrus wrote:

Stakes are high in mission to bring democracy to Iran
By Sarah Sands
(Filed: 22/01/2005)

"So it is the policy of the United States to seek and support the growth of democratic movements and institutions in every nation… America will not impose our own style of government on the unwilling. Our goal instead is to help others find their own voice, attain their own freedom."

Reza Pahlavi, the son of the last Shah of Iran, who was watching President George W Bush's speech on television at his hotel in London, noted the language. He was relieved that the phrase "regime change" was not used.

In a January 22, 2005 article by the Telegraph, titled "Stakes Are High in Mission to Bring Democracy to Iran", it is claimed that Mr. Pahlavi "was relieved" that the phrase "regime change" was not used in President Bush's inaugural speech. As I know this claim to be false, that Mr. Pahlavi is in fact admired because of his opposition to the Islamic regime, I believe it is advisable to deny this outragous charge as soon as possible.

Reply from Mr. Kamran Beigi:

Dear Friend of Iran,

Thank you for your email and your interest in democratic movement of the people of Iran. Although every freedom loving Iranian wants to live under a democratic regime, this change of regime must come as a result of the efforts of the people of Iran and not at the hands of foreign governments. We all do want a democratic regime, but we do not want others to decide for us.

Thank you for your email and your interest in democratic movement of the people of Iran. Although every freedom loving Iranian wants to live under a democratic regime, this change of regime must come as a result of the efforts of the people of Iran and not at the hands of foreign governments. We all do want a democratic regime, but we do not want others to decide for us.

Regards,

Dabirkhaneh Reza Pahlavi

.

Mr Kamran Beigi seems to be an active person answering emails and telephone calls and also following with RP when he has meetings etc. Do you know what the other people in the secretariat do?_________________Long live the memory of Shahanshah Aryamehr.
Long live Shahbanou Farah Pahlavi
Long live Reza Shah II

Posted: Tue Jan 25, 2005 2:33 pm Post subject: Iranian Royal Family Council As A First Step For Unity

Iranian Royal Family Council As A First Step For Unity

Iranian Boy wrote:

Some issues from me, Iranian Boy, a known supporter of a CM:

1.) I have never been quite satisfied with Reza Pahlavis way of fighting the islamic republic

2.) I believe the communication between Reza Pahlavi and the people is very weak and people don´t know what this Reza Pahlavi really wants. RP appears on an interview every 3rd month in average.
Something very ironic is that Reza Pahlavi who speaks so much about the importance of a DIALOGUE, himself avoids every dialog he can. Every time RP has an interview with any of the persian media the time is so short that there is no time for DIALOUGE and DISCUSSIONS. This results in the fact that the interviewer asks a number of questions and Reza Pahlavi answer them. There is never time for a DIALOGUE. A dialogue means that for instance Mr Fazeli says,"I don´t agree on this issue, I think a better suggestion would be..."
That would be a DIALOGUE, substituting ideas and not having one sided interviews where one part asks and the other part answers.

3.) The distance between RP and his people is far. He appear very seldom on TV due to some cheap excuses that the TV:s are not acting well.
Through his office he is impossible to reach even if you are a famous TV character or a top political party member. The only person who seems to be active in his secretariat is Kamran Beigi, at least he answer a number of emails and telephone calls.

4.) Reza Pahlavi often speaks unclear and is not good at convincing people. It is unclear what he wants people to do. Over 20 times for sure in his recent speech he repeated "I am supporting the principal behind this idea". He also said that in 5 monts it is presidental elections and that it is a golden opportunity now for people to unite between this idea.

Suppose all people unite behind this idea, what guarantee is there that in 5 months the world will change its attitude towards Iran?

5+55) Reza Pahlavis support of the referendum has caused lots of disputes and internal conflicts among the monarchists. Some monarchists have said they don´t care who is the king of tommorrow, RP or someone else.
NITV, AZADI TV, X-TV,Pars TV etc all oppose the referendum. Iman Foroutan/HomaEhsan and Zia Atabay showed it clearly in the video. Zia Atabay asked Mr Pahlavi how he could suddenly decide to unite with Sazegara.
Mr Souresrafil has stopped his support of RP and Fazeli (last time I saw his was on jan 7) was both sad and angry.

Fortunately not only shahollahis have been against the referendum but also some intermediates. Already on nov 30 the secretary of RP sent a small email indicating their support of the referendum. Reza Pahlavis sign was not on that messege, which was sent by the secretary only.

But that messege caused a lot of ununity and anger and it is surprising how at a time when the referendum is almost dead reza pahlavi suddenly appers and supports it.

I guess Souresrafil was fired by Abbasi the same day as Reza Pahlavis speech. The removal of Souresrafil is a gigantic victory for pahlavis "today only unity" campaign.

Due to Shahzadeh Reza Pahlavis support of this referendum, I WILL NOT OPPOSE THE REFERENDUM, neither will I support it.
I think we should all keep critics silent and not oppose this idea.
We should act like RP wants and in 5 months we will see if Reza Phalavi who called this "yek forsat talayi!!!!!!" (=a golden opportunity!!!) turns out to be a new Hakha or not. Homa Ehsan compared Reza Pahlavis idea with Mr Ahura Yazdi´s which was good intentioned but unrealistic.

But my suggestion is that we support and follow mr Pahlavi regarding this referendum and if it leads nowhere which is quite likely, then RP has lost all his image and credibility.

I think Shahbanou makes a much better job than her son Reza Pahlavi:
-Shahbanou doesn´t have a bunch of "atrafiyan" (secretary etc)
-Shahbanou defends the late shah and her own family in her interviews
-Shahbanou cares about her supporters primarily, not about her enemies.

The result and difference can be easy seen comparing Shahbanous appearance in VOA TV in march where among a total numer of 33 telephone calls and emails 32 supported her, most of them VERY VERY EMOTIONALLY and strongly, people all said how much they loved shahbanou and some people almost cried and said "forgive us for what we did to you 25 years ago"

On the other side Reza Pahlavi appeared on VOA TV in both january and july 2004. He got a number of supportive calls and emails, but most telephones/emails were neutral. Not a single person showed any EMOTIONS towards Reza Pahlavi.

Reza Pahlavi lacks a lot of qualities he would need as a monarch and leader of a country with 2500 years of history behind his head. Yet he still have the chance to become monarch by winning in the referendum, considering how passive he is I believe he doesn´t need to worry too much about terror threats which is of course something positive for every Iranian. But he is not helping much in the liberation process of Iran.
But I hope somewhere in his mind he feels a responsibility towards Shahanshah Aryamehr, his great father whose last wish was that his son one day should bring prosperity back to Iran

Yes I support Reza Pahlavi. But if you read Reza Pahlavis goals on his website you see "freedom of speech" as one of the points. And freedom of speech is just what I am using now.

Iranian Royal Family Council As A First Step For Unity

This is in response to our fellow ActivistChat member with alias “Iranian Boy”, valid questions and concerns. For resolving some of the issues that are slowing the struggle of freeing our homeland, I would like to share my thought, suggestion for our fellow ActivistChat members comment, review, enhancements, possible consideration and completion for formal presentation.
At this critical moment of our history for freeing our homeland it is absolutely essential to mobiles all our forces and strengthen the opposition leadership. There are many Iranian groups and democratic organizations which are working hard, making sacrifice for freeing our homeland and replacing Islamist regime with secular democracy. Currently the main Iranian opposition forces outside Iran can be divided to the following categories:
- Royal Family of Iran and their supporters
- IOTM and S.O.S. Iran
- MEK
- Pro-Republic
- Iranian Left
- Others
Out of above categories the IOTM and S.O.S. Iran has shown one of the best record of democratic organization which does not rule by one person, does not promote only one person, important decisions are made by team effort and currently is becoming one of the fastest growing organization despite the fact that they have very limited resources and younger than other Iranian groups and organizations.
Why is SOS Iran successful? One of the reason is because the structure of SOS Iran organization is democratic and fair.
If the other 5 categories follow IOTM and S.O.S. Iran Model then in short period of time we will create critical mass and getting closer to the FREE IRAN Inflection Point.
Now with the above introduction I am suggesting if Empress Farah Phalavi, Prince Reza Pahlavi, Prince Ali-Reza Pahlavi Princess Farahnaz Pahlavi agree they might consider to create Iranian Royal Family Council with each select 2 independent advisers from other opposition Iranian groups as advisers and member of the Royal Family Council for defining the Royal Family council responsibilities, Fund Raising effort and important decision making process for freeing our homeland. In order to create more Unity and a powerful Network among the Iranian Groups, the Royal Family members also should consider to accept Advisory positions in other groups.
I think Empress Farah Pahlavi should be considered as head of Royal Family Council.
If Royal Family Council is formed and respected advisers are selected then I am sure many ActivistChat members and groups are welcoming active participation of all top Royal Family members and independent advisers.
Due to the fact that majority of Iranian people live in California it might be better , if the Royal Family Council consider to open their office in Southern California until Iran is freed.

Honorable Iranian Royal Family Members Profile
for Serving Suggested
Iranian Royal Family Council
to Help Freeing Our Homeland

“I honor all the freedom loving Iranians who remained faithful to their ideals and faced their executioners with their courage intact and their heads unbowed.
I salute all Iranian women who have been in the forefront of the struggle against tyranny, intolerance, and inequality. I salute the Iranian youth who have now fully recognized the Islamic regime as the implacable enemy of Iran's national interests, and have, at great risks to their lives and liberties, become the spearhead of freedom and democracy in their beloved homeland. The great heritage of Iranian culture and civilization that for millennia has bedazzled the world now belongs to them. On their strong shoulders has fallen the responsibility to wrest this heritage from those who for nearly a quarter century have, in vain, tried to deny, belittle, and destroy it. “

Posted: Fri Jan 28, 2005 10:36 pm Post subject: Iranian Royal Family Council As A First Step For Unity

The New Version is edited and enhanced by our fellow ActivistChat Member Spenta.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Iranian Royal Family Council As A First Step For Unity

At this critical moment in our history, it is absolutely essential to mobilize all our of forces and strengthen the opposition leadership in order to free our homeland There are many Iranian groups and democratic organizations which are working hard and making sacrifices for freeing our homeland in order to replace the Islamist regime with a secular democracy. Currently the main Iranian opposition forces outside Iran can be divided into the following categories:

- Royal Family of Iran and their supporters
- IOTM and S.O.S. Iran
- MEK
- Pro-Republic
- Iranian Left
- Others

Out of the above categories the IOTM and S.O.S. Iran have shown one of the best records of performance as a democratic organization not ruled by one person. They do not promote only one person, important decisions are made through team effort, and currently they are becoming one of the fastest growing organizations despite the fact that they have very limited resources and are younger than other Iranian groups and organizations.

Why is SOS Iran successful? One reason is because the structure of SOS Iran’s organization is democratic and fair. If the other 5 categories follow the IOTM and S.O.S. Iran model, then in a short period of time we will create a critical mass and get closer to the FREE IRAN Inflection Point.

Now with the above introduction, I am suggesting if Empress Farah Pahlavi, Prince Reza Pahlavi, Prince Ali-Reza Pahlavi, Princess Farahnaz Pahlavi agree, they might consider creating an Iranian Royal Family Council with each selecting two independent advisers from other opposition Iranian groups as counsel and members of the Royal Family Council. Together they can define the Council’s responsibilities, conduct fundraising activities and engage in important decision making for freeing our homeland. In order to create more unity and a powerful network among the Iranian Groups, the royal family members also should consider accepting advisory positions in other groups. This will not only provide the royal family with a vehicle for greater participation, but also provide the opposition with a means of greater collaboration with the royal family in order to increase unity and collaboration across the board.

I think Empress Farah Pahlavi should be considered as the head of the Royal Family Council. If the Royal Family Council is formed and respected advisers are selected, then I am sure that many ActivistChat members and groups would welcome active participation of all the top royal family members and independent advisers. Due to the fact that the majority of Iranian people live in California it might be better if the Royal Family Council consider opening their offices in Southern California until Iran is freed.